Launch of first Space Station crew from Baikonur Cosmodrome

Bill Shepherd

26 September 2000

The first resident, or Expedition, crew will be launched to the International Space Station (ISS) in a Soyuz capsule from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, no earlier than 30 October 2000, to become the first permanent residents of the new research facility.

Expedition One Commander Bill Shepherd (US), Soyuz Commander Yuri Gidzenko (Russia) and Flight Engineer Sergei Krikalev (Russia) will arrive at the Space Station two days later for docking and the start of non-stop human habitation of the outpost.

The Russian Aviation and Space Agency (Rosaviakosmos) and RSC Energia are arranging a news media trip to Baikonur from 27 to 30 October to cover the crew’s pre-flight and launch activities.

Members of the media wishing to cover the launch must request press accreditation no later than 2 October, details can be found in the ESA Press Release.